In one battle in Misrata, rebels accused pro-government forces of using cluster bombs, devices banned in most countries because of their indiscriminate danger. The devices explode not with one blast, but rather several smaller explosions capable of widespread destruction.

Salah Malkawi/ Getty Images(WASHINGTON) -- The Department of the Treasury Friday designated nine additional Libyans -- including Moammar Gadhafi’s wife and four of his seven sons -- who are now subject to U.S. sanctions and the freezing of their assets.

The move is partly motivated by a desire to encourage those around Gadhafi to defect.

The family members targeted are:

* Gadhafi’s wife Safia Farkashl * His son Hannibal Gadhafi, head of the General Maritime Transport Company of Libya; * His son Saadi Gadhafi, Commander of Special Forces and Head of the Libyan Football Federation; * His son Muhammad Gadhafi, Chairman of the Libyan Olympic Committee and Chairman of the General Post and Telecommunications Company; and * His son Saif Al-Arab Gadhafi.

The senior officials designated Friday include:

* Abu Bakr Yunis Jabir, the Libyan Minister of Defense; * Matuq Mohammad Matuq, Secretary General of the People’s Committee for Public Works; * Abu Zayd Umar Dorda, the Director of Libya’s External Security Organization; and * Abdullah Al-Senussi, the Director of Military Intelligence, whom the U.S. government accuses of organizing mass killings in Benghazi and recruiting foreign mercenaries. He is allegedly responsible for the deaths of 1,200 Islamists in Abu Selim prison.

“Today’s designation should send a strong signal to those responsible for the violence inflicted by Qadhafi and his government that the United States will continue steps to increase pressure and to hold them accountable,” said David Cohen, the acting undersecretary of the Treasury for terrorism and financial intelligence.